Day Trip Destinations Near Alicante
If you're looking for some great day trips from Alicante, you'll find at least three fascinating destinations within an hour and a half's journey.
Benidorm is super easy to reach by tram from either Alicante city center or the Mercado station near the old town. The ride takes about 70 minutes. You can grab your ticket from the vending machines or ticket counter at the station. Pro tip: save both time and money by getting a return ticket right away.
Murcia and Elche are both well-connected by Renfe's local trains (Cercanias). You can check schedules and prices online, though the websites are in Spanish and Valencian. Your best bet is to head straight to Alicante's main train station and look for the Cercanias local trains. Trains between Alicante and Murcia run frequently, and you can easily hop off at Elche along the way if you fancy a detour.
Benidorm
Getting to Benidorm is easy, it's just over an hour away. Just a heads up though: the train station [on map] isn't within walking distance of the city center or the beachfront. Make sure you allow plenty of time for the walk between the station and the beach, or you can hop in a taxi or catch a bus instead.
In the height of summer, Benidorm transforms into one of the Mediterranean's hottest and busiest party destinations, with the festivities going round the clock. If clubbing isn't your thing, I'd suggest steering clear of Benidorm in July and August. From September through May, though, it's actually a really pleasant place to visit. A day trip in midsummer is doable, but be prepared for scorching heat and crowds everywhere.
To be honest, Benidorm doesn't really offer anything you can't find in Alicante. That said, it's worth strolling along Benidorm's two beaches with the old town nestled between them. The main drag, Passeig de Carretera [on map], and its side streets are packed with all sorts of shops and interesting spots. For dining, head to the old town peninsula, especially around Plaça de la Senyoria square, that's where you'll find the best restaurants. If you're looking for nightlife, Carrer Major is one of the main bar streets.
The area around Benidorm has plenty to explore, including the nature-focused Terra Natura animal park, Mundomar marine park, and Aqualandia water park.
Elche
Elche (or Elx in Valencian) [on map] makes for a fascinating and unique day trip, just a short drive from Alicante. With over 200,000 residents, Elche is home to several well-known universities that draw students from all over Spain.
The city's crown jewel is the stunning Jardín Huerto del Cura palm garden. It's not right next to the old town but a bit further from the center. Opening hours vary by month and day of the week, so definitely check ahead. And this isn't the only palm grove around, these green oases have claimed quite a bit of real estate throughout the city.
When you arrive in Elche, hop off at Elche Park train station [on map], which is conveniently located near the city park. From the station, head south toward El Palmeral, which, along with Jardín Huerto del Cura, offers another great chance to explore the area's characteristic palm forests. From the park, it's a quick walk to Elche's historic center, which clusters around the Basílica de Santa María [on map]. While you're exploring the area, don't miss the Baños Árabes, the Moorish-style baths that are definitely worth a look. The Museo de la Virgen is another spot worth checking out.
Murcia
You can hop on a train from Elche and reach Murcia in about half an hour. With around 400,000 residents, Murcia has a completely different vibe compared to Alicante. It's essentially a countryside city whose economy revolves around the surrounding farmlands. That said, the city is packed with university students, which gives it a lively, youthful energy. While Murcia has been attracting more tourists lately, during winter months it's mostly just locals going about their daily lives.
From the train station [on map], you can walk to the city center past Alameda de Colón park [on map] and down to the river. After crossing the lovely bridge, you'll find yourself in Murcia's old town. At Glorieta España square [on map], you'll spot the city hall (Ayuntamiento). It's a great spot to grab a drink or bite to eat. On the other side of the city hall, Plaza del Cardenal Belluga [on map] is home to Murcia's stunning cathedral, the Palacio Episcopal, and some nice terraces. Head north and you'll find plenty of bars, cafés, and restaurants. The city center covers quite a bit of ground, so exploring it all on foot takes some time.
Both sides of the dried-up river are lined with impressive sights worth checking out. The Barrio del Carmen neighborhood [on map] sits between the river and the train station, and while most of it is relatively modern, there's still plenty to see. The most interesting spot is the former artillery barracks turned park, Cuartel de Artillería [on map], which has lots of activities, especially for families with kids. Other popular attractions include the Science and Water Museum and the Museo Hidráulico los Molinos del Río, which showcases the old industrial facilities along the riverbank.
Murcia makes for a perfect half-day or full-day trip. Just remember the siesta, shops and other places, including the tourist information office, close for several hours in the afternoon. Weekends tend to be bustling with people, especially during cooler seasons and on days when the temperature drops to comfortable levels by late afternoon and early evening.